As NDA leaders got together today to give final touches to their strategy to turn the tables on the Congress during the no-confidence debate in the Lok Sabha, the DMK squirmed over reports of the BJP’s efforts to enlist the support of its arch-rival AIADMK. Sources disclosed that the DMK representative in the Union Ministry, T.R. Baalu, confronted NDA leaders over the issue at a meeting of coalition partners today. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee. Those present included Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, Defence Minister and Samata Party president George Fernandes, Finance Minister Jaswant Singh and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Baalu reportedly asked the BJP: ‘‘Why are you seeking the support of the AIADMK when we are supporting you, and when you have nearly 320 MPs with you?’’ The DMK has 12 members, while the AIADMK has 11 members in the Lok Sabha. On the other hand, DMK chief M. Karunanidhi, according to agencies, told reporters at Thanjavur that the party had not taken a decision so far on whether or not to support the motion. However, BJP sources were quite hopeful that the DMK may rave and rant about its flirtation with the AIADMK, but would not quit the NDA. More so, when Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa has embarked on a fresh offensive against DMK leaders by registering ESMA cases against them. Once they desert the Central Government, DMK leaders would find themselves far more vulnerable to her actions than now. On the other hand, there are indications that the BJP may persuade Jayalalithaa to release MDMK leader Vaiko on parole to enable him to cast his vote. The BJP is keen on demonstrating an increased support in the Lok Sabha through the vote on the no-confidence motion. The TDP and the BSP have already pledged their support. Unruffled by the DMK protests, NDA convenor Fernandes told reporters here that the AIADMK can support the Government, if it wants. ‘‘There is no conflict of interest (between the two Dravida parties).’’
